Ubuntu Touch [is] a great choice if you seek an alternative that prioritizes privacy and open-source ideals.
But
One area that has improved is Google account synchronization. While it’s not flawless, it’s easier to sync services like Gmail and Calendar than it was before.
🤦 I don’t think he fully grasps that Google is the main reason to use a more private OS than (stock) Android.
While true, in order to get Linux mobile more mainstream, you have to have great google compatibility just because of the sheer volume of people that have to use google calendar for sync with family and friends and/or have gmail as a primary email. That’s just a shitty fact of life. Baby steps.
However, indeed you are completely right that at the current time there are probably a very low amount of people wanting to use it right now that are completely reliant on google.
I think they did a decent job. They report on compatibility for those that want it, but demonstrate it can be a Google-free experience. The fact that they also recognize they tested on an older device vs glossing over that was appreciated, too. Any journalist willing to install Ubuntu on their phone is probably going to be a bit more reliable to begin with, too.
Ah, tech journos…
But
🤦 I don’t think he fully grasps that Google is the main reason to use a more private OS than (stock) Android.
While true, in order to get Linux mobile more mainstream, you have to have great google compatibility just because of the sheer volume of people that have to use google calendar for sync with family and friends and/or have gmail as a primary email. That’s just a shitty fact of life. Baby steps.
However, indeed you are completely right that at the current time there are probably a very low amount of people wanting to use it right now that are completely reliant on google.
I think they did a decent job. They report on compatibility for those that want it, but demonstrate it can be a Google-free experience. The fact that they also recognize they tested on an older device vs glossing over that was appreciated, too. Any journalist willing to install Ubuntu on their phone is probably going to be a bit more reliable to begin with, too.